Ontario Public Health Standards

After much anticipation, the official launch of the new Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS) took place November 12th, 2008. The new standards establish requirements for public health programs and services, including health promotion and policy development, disease and injury prevention, and health protection. In addition, the new standards outline specific expectations for boards of health as part of an enhanced accountability and performance management framework.

A copy of the approved Ontario Public Health Standards-2008 document [PDF] is also available for download from the Ministry website. In addition, the website contains links to the 26 Protocols that replace the Mandatory Health Programs and Services Guidelines (MHPSG) of 1997.

For a concise history of the development of the new standards, see Reviewing and Renewing the Mandatory Health Services Program Guidelines (MHSPG): Where we are and where we are going [PDF] (February 14, 2007)

OPHA's Programs have work that directly supports many of the categories in the OPHS. Below are links to documents outlining, in detail, the activities that correspond to each of the categories and classifications of the OPHS.